1981 Electrical Problems

[Charlie P.]

Looking for some clues before I dig into the following problems. Could they be related? Something in the computer? Know of any common '81 electrical glitches?
Tach doesn't work
Radio doesn't work
A/C doesn't work
Battery drains quickly when parked

THANKS.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1981 Electrical Problems

Battery drain, could be the alternator when it is parked. Tach has a circut board that could be bad. Tach is not connected to the computer, is only connected to the HEI. Tach also has a inline filter from the HEI to the unit. The A/C may be low on R12 and will not operate if it has this safeguard. Fuse could be the cause for the radio. Easy way to stop the drain, I would disconnect the neg battery cable from under the car where it attaches to the frame. Takes less than a minute with a 5/8 inch wrench.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1981 Electrical Problems

Battery drain, could be the alternator when it is parked. Tach has a circut board that could be bad. Tach is not connected to the computer, is only connected to the HEI. Tach also has a inline filter from the HEI to the unit. The A/C may be low on R12 and will not operate if it has this safeguard. Fuse could be the cause for the radio. Easy way to stop the drain, I would disconnect the neg battery cable from under the car where it attaches to the frame. Takes less than a minute with a 5/8 inch wrench.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1981 Electrical Problems

None of those are common draws on the battery. You will not know without doing test, but, alternator, courtesy light dimmer, courtesy or glove box light, clock, etc are more common places for draws.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1981 Electrical Problems

None of those are common draws on the battery. You will not know without doing test, but, alternator, courtesy light dimmer, courtesy or glove box light, clock, etc are more common places for draws.